Introduction to Sewing & Dressmaking (TE104 Spring)

Learn how to use a sewing machine and use it for dressmaking and sewing techniques, before putting them to practice by making a simple top, dress or jumpsuit.

What will you learn on this course?

This course will introduce students to the simple techniques of sewing, including basic seams, darts and manipulating techniques such as pleats and gathers. The tutor will give step by step demonstrations and you will be encouraged to sew alone with additional support as required. Having completed a series of samples, you will apply these new skills to make a simple top, dress or jumpsuit from base patterns provided in standard graded sizes. Students will trace out the pattern and learn how to adjust it to their own size, creating a pattern for future use at home.

The course will cover:

• How to sew and use a domestic machine
• How to sew seams, darts, pleats, finishing techniques, pockets, collars, binding and fastenings
• Understanding the fitting techniques used in clothes and how to toile a garment, make adjustments and adapt a pattern to fit
• Creating different fabric manipulation techniques used in clothing
• How to read a sewing pattern and make adjustments
• Using sewing equipment safely
• Precision and accuracy when sewing
• How to make a garment to fit yourself (with a pattern to replicate the garment at home)

On completion of this course you can expect to have produced a selection of small samples that will be presented in a folder with explanations for students to take home for future sewing projects.

You will also have made a finished sewn product that you can wear, and a complete pattern to your size to use again. You will feel more confident about sewing clothes in the future.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners. Beginners may be completely new to sewing or may not have done it for some time, and will be taught all the basics. Lessons will be adapted to the group.

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.

Do you need to bring anything?

A selection of essential sewing equipment will be provided.

You must bring a folder/plastic wallet to store your samples, and a 2.5m length of coloured cotton /linen based fabric to make your garment (Fabric is not needed during the initial sessions, as students will first discuss the suitability of their ideas with the tutor, including where to buy fabric and what kind would be appropriate).

We encourage you to bring your own sewing kit consisting of hand sewing needles, thread, tape measure, stitch ripper, pins, scissors (large and small), pens, pencils, ruler, tailors chalk.

If you own a sewing machine and would prefer to use it in class, you can have it PAT tested at MAC for a cost of £5. Is you would like your machine PAT tested, please contact us prior to the course starting so we can ensure that a suitable member of staff is on site.

Are there any additional costs?

Items listed above that you do not already have must be provided at your own expense. These items can be purchased from fabric and haberdashery stores, Birmingham Rag market, Barry’s fabric, fancy silk store and large supermarkets.

Who teaches this course?

Theresa Summerfield